Assn in Chennai enlightens on significance of festivals

Chennai: Have you ever wondered why we keep Kozhukkattai during Vinayagar Chaturthi or perhaps wondered why we even do certain poojas on specific days? Even without knowing these little facts, we often end up offering our devotion to our Gods.

But to enlighten the minds of the people who are unaware, the Sri Sumukhi Rajasekharan Memorial Foundation in Mylapore in the city organises Pooja Vidhanam – a unique workshop that teaches people how to perform a pooja. They recently conducted the 15th year Pooja Vidhanam.

Speaking to News Today, Sugathan, secretary of the foundation said,”People do poojas yet some may not know about the significance of certain aspects like for example, why do we offer Kozhukkattai for Ganesha? Many people are unaware about how to get ready for a pooja or how to decorate the idols or their homes. So we do this workshops to enlighten them.”

Their recent workshop was held at Anandam – a free home for senior citizens. Surendranath and Vasanthi Balaji, one of the foundations’ members chose Anandam to be the right choice to conduct the pooja workshop.

The members of the foundation shared the basics and nuances of three Gods; Vinayagar, Krishna, Lakshmi and their festivals.

The stage in the prayer hall was decorated with the foundation’s banner, traditional maalais and pattu sarees were draped in background. Idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Krishna were placed on pedestals while the idol of Lakshmi was kept inside a mandapam.

Amarnath, vice president of the foundation gave historical information about the festivals while Surendranath narrated stories about the three Gods.

The members of the foundation also demonstrated various arts and crafts work related to these poojas like Pillayar Kudai, Krishnar Paadham, Pavazhamalli Maalai, Panju Vasthram, Amman Jadai.

Sugathan said,”Many turned up and started talking about their own childhood days. They were thrilled to be here.”

Sri Sumukhi Rajasekharan Memorial Foundation conducts several other events in Mylapore throughout the year. “Last year, we organised Pooja Vidhanam in a school. We explained them how to make Pillayar Kudai for Vinyaka Chaturthi. We teach them with our own hands-on experience. We teach the history and culture and then explain the essence of the poojas.”

He added that they organise Bharatanatyam, essay writing and oratory competition to name a few in both english and tamil.

“We also conduct a concert every month and bring in new musicians to perform,” said Sugathan. “We keep posting about our latest activities on our social media pages.”

The foundation will be organising a workshop on kolu. For details contact, [email protected]